What is jewelry alloy

What is rhodium plating?

Rhodium is one of the most expensive precious metals, belongs to the platinum group and is in 45th place in the periodic table. It has been known to mankind for just over two hundred years thanks to the English scientist William Wollaston. The metal is considered rare, with only a few tons in the entire world, making it quite expensive.

Jewelry uses of rhodium

Due to its physical properties, namely high hardness and light reflectivity, the metal has gained wide popularity among jewelers, who began to use it to coat products.

Since the cost of rhodium is high, it is most often used to coat expensive products.
They are usually made from white gold and silver as their base color is silvery white and the rhodium helps to further enhance the natural shine.

Rhodium plated

The rhodium plating procedure involves spraying it with a thin layer, 0.1–25 microns thick. If the work is done efficiently, the product can last for decades.

Silver products processed in this way are often confused with those made of white gold, they shine so much and look no worse, although they are much cheaper.

If a silver piece of jewelry has darkened and lost its shine, you can bring it back to life with a rhodium plating procedure in any jewelry workshop. Usually the coating has to be renewed after 5–10 years, it all depends on the intensity of wear. Brass (jewelry alloy) jewelry can also be treated. But since the procedure is expensive, jewelry is usually subjected to a silver plating process: this is more economical, but the coating will last much less.

Properties of rhodium for jewelry use

Rhodium is five times harder than gold, two times harder than platinum and is only slightly inferior to steel.

It can take on any shade depending on the additives, so the jewelry will have a color from traditional silver to black. If you stop at the latter, this allows you to emphasize the beauty of the gemstone in the jewelry.

Rhodium plating wear

The physical and chemical properties of rhodium are highly valued in jewelry. However, like any metal, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

Disadvantages of rhodium plating

The main disadvantages of metal that jewelers note:

• Fragility. For this reason, it is not used as a base material in jewelry. When repairing or interacting with other metals, the coating may crack or chip.
• High price. Exceeds the cost of gold several times. The reason for this is the small reserves of the metal and its rarity.
• Over time, the coating wears off and the rhodium plating procedure must be repeated. The duration of wear is affected by the thickness of the applied metal and contact with skin or other products. Therefore, it is important to follow some rules when wearing jewelry, for example, do not get it wet, avoid contact with household chemicals, and remove it at night.

Benefits of Rhodium Plating

The main advantages of the metal, for which jewelers around the world prefer it:

• Resistant to scratches and damage, which increases the wear resistance of the jewelry.
• Reflective ability that gives platinum shimmer and a noble appearance.
• The shine does not fade over time.
• Silver that has undergone rhodium plating shines longer and does not turn black.
• It is harmless to health as it is hypoallergenic.

Rhodium plating helps to preserve the noble appearance of jewelry for a long time and protects it from various damages.

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Source: https://DedPodaril.com/interesno/chto-takoe-rodievoe-pokrytie.html

Jewelry alloy and coating

High-quality costume jewelry is made from safe alloys plated with precious metals.

What is jewelry alloy made from?

Various metal alloys are used in the production of costume jewelry:

1. Cupronickel, which is an alloy of nickel, copper, iron and manganese. In appearance it resembles silver. 2. Pewter. This alloy is based on tin, which is a relatively good metal. Since jewelry pewters do not contain lead or nickel, they are considered safe. They are easy to process, which is appreciated by craftsmen. Plus, the tin alloy lends itself perfectly to casting and coating with a thin film of gold or silver. 3.

Bronze is an alloy of zinc and copper close to precious metals. It may contain various additives, but in small quantities. Bronze looks very attractive. 4. Nickel silver. This substance is obtained by melting zinc, nickel and copper. If the nickel content is slightly higher, the products acquire a characteristic white color with a bluish or greenish tint. Nickel silver has anti-corrosion properties. 5.

Brass is the most expensive alloy, very similar to gold due to the presence of copper. It also contains zinc and a number of auxiliary chemical elements. Products made from brass are hypoallergenic and have increased wear resistance.

High-quality alloys should not contain lead and nickel. Costume jewelry is not subject to mandatory certification. When choosing jewelry, you need to pay attention to its price.

A low price may indicate that the alloy is far from safe.

What is jewelry decorated with?

The golden color and shine are formed due to galvanic coating. This is the name given to a thin layer of metal applied to jewelry by galvanization.

The method involves placing the workpieces in a special bath with a salt solution of the metal, after which an electric current is passed through. During this process, the metal is released from the solution and settles evenly on the product. The result is a thin, uniform layer of gold, silver, and rhodium-based alloys (white gold).

Without inlay with crystals, zircons, and cubic zirconias, jewelry would look very boring and mediocre. Crystal inserts significantly enhance the “façade” of the products. After applying amalgam, which creates a mirror coating, the crystals shine even better. They differ not only in the degree of gloss, but also in size, cut, transparency, and durability.

 

The cheaper the material, the shorter its “life”. For example, acrylic and plastic rhinestones quickly fade and stop shining.

Crystal crystals and Murano glass elements have been delighting us with their beautiful appearance for a long time. There is no doubt about the high quality of Swarovski rhinestones, which are made from crystal. The cut of these stones is amazing. Experts are delighted by the material's high transparency and first-class shine. Murano glass fascinates with its intricate patterns of gold and silver leaf in the shimmer of colored glass, which cannot leave connoisseurs of Italian fashion indifferent.

The Bijuel online store offers jewelry made from high-quality copper-based jewelry alloy. This alloy is the most expensive, but at the same time the safest and hypoallergenic.

All products have a durable galvanic coating of rhodium or gold up to 20 microns thick, which gives them a beautiful appearance and durability.

Source: https://bijouelle.ru/blog/bizhuternyj-splav-i-pokrytie

Jewelry alloy: what is it, where is it used | mk-soyuz.rf

Precious metals, in addition to their high prices, have technical disadvantages. In their pure form, gold, silver and platinum are soft, the surface quickly loses its shine. According to experts, it is more profitable to use jewelry alloys for the production of costume jewelry, because these are expensive metals, but with additives that improve their qualities.

Jewelry alloy is used to make jewelry. It does not differ in appearance from gold of various types, however, it is cheaper because it does not include expensive metals in its composition, but is only coated with them.

What is jewelry alloy

Gold jewelry alloys are the most common, but many people do not know what they are and what elements are included in their composition. Their main component is gold, the content of which varies between 75–98%. The following additional components can be used: silver, copper, palladium, platinum. By adding additional metals, you can make an alloy with any shade - from red to light yellow, greenish.

Jewelry alloys are used to make expensive jewelry. They are used to make products with precious stones:

• rings,
• necklace,
• earrings,
• tiaras,
• tie clips,
• cufflinks

Ferrous metals, iron-carbon alloys with additions of chromium and nickel, are not considered jewelry, but they are used to make cheap products that imitate white gold and platinum. Stainless steel and surgical steel began to be used for the manufacture of various accessories with the advent of modern, grunge, and punk styles in youth fashion. The alloy does not darken from moisture and does not cause allergies.

Alloy composition

Costume jewelry is made from compounds of non-ferrous metals. Outwardly, they do not differ from gold or platinum and even repeat their shade. Such jewelry alloy requires the same care as jewelry. It is resistant to moisture, but reacts with cosmetics and iodine. According to technical characteristics, the material is durable, easy to weld and process.

The coating on all groups of jewelry alloys is made of the same metals - galvanic gold, rhodium.

In the production of jewelry alloys, in addition to gold, the following can be used:

• platinum,
• silver,
• cadmium,
• palladium,
• copper,
• zinc.

Basically, the amount of additives does not exceed 10%. The exception is silver. The greater its composition, the more plastic and lighter the alloy becomes. When the silver content exceeds 30%, gold becomes light, whitish-yellow, with a greenish tint.

gold in the alloy is indicated by the fineness in parts per thousand. Fineness 916 means 91.6% gold, the rest is ligature. The numbers 999 indicate a chemically pure substance.

The composition based on copper, zinc and brass imitates gold. Depending on the proportion of components, it can range from red-red to yellow.

Tin-based jewelry alloy is widely used for making jewelry in platinum and white gold. The technology has ancient roots. The following are added as alloying substances:

• copper for ductility,
• antimony for brightness,
• aluminum for shine and strength.

Lead and nickel present in older products are prohibited by the International Standard. They cause allergies. To reduce the cost of the material, zinc is added to it.

Alloy coating

Jewelry based on tin and non-ferrous metals is coated with a thin layer of gold, silver and platinum. The spraying thickness is thousandths of mm. As a result, costume jewelry takes on the appearance of a product made from noble materials and is protected from oxidation.

To add shine, strength, and aesthetic appearance, jewelry is coated with:

• birth,
• eloxal,
• varnish.

Gold alloy is soft, easily damaged by hard objects, and darkens from water and other substances. Platinum quickly loses its luster without a protective coating. Only rhodium is stable, hard, does not react to moisture, fats, acids and does not lose its shine over time.

The cost of rhodium is significantly higher than other noble metals. It is very hard and difficult to process. To protect products made from jewelry and gold alloys, rhodium coating is used. The coating is produced in galvanic baths.

Eloxal is sometimes used as a material for making jewelry. But more often it is used as a reliable and decorative protective coating. Sputtering of aluminum oxide - Al2O3 is first laid down in a thin layer. Then, as its thickness increases, it becomes porous. It holds paint poured into voids firmly, at the molecular level. This allows you not only to cover the product with a protective layer, but also to give it any color. After pressing, the surface begins to shine.

Varnish is mainly used to cover cheap items made from jewelry alloy and silver. The transparent layer does not allow moisture and other destructive substances to pass through and retains its shine. The coating lasts for a short time, several months, until it wears off.

Appearance

925 silver is called Sterling. It contains a ligature of 7.5% copper. Metals combine at a temperature of 894–900⁰. The alloy has the appearance of white gold or platinum, is easily processed, and takes on any shape. If desired, you can make blackening by replacing copper with germanium. The surface is smooth, shiny, and does not lose its appearance for a long time.

It is impossible to distinguish 925 silver from white gold externally. Products made from both materials are plated with rhodium, they have the same color and shine. You have to look at the mark. There is no such thing as 925 gold. If there is no marking, ask the seller for a certificate. Sterling silver is about half the price of gold.

Adding a small amount of alloy changes the properties of metals. They become more flexible and stronger. This allows you to create products with small details and filigree patterns. Externally, only a specialist can distinguish between a precious metal and a jewelry alloy.

Varieties

Jewelry alloy contains various components. For the manufacture of costume jewelry and other items, the following is usually used:

• bronze,
• brass,
• cupronickel,
• pewter,
• nickel silver.

Bronze is a compound of copper and zinc. It has a reddish red gold color. To impart various qualities, it is alloyed with aluminum, beryllium, silicon, and phosphorus.

Bronze is an alloy of two components of copper and zinc without additives. To produce the material, pure copper and galmey, zinc ore, are used. It is characterized by high strength and hardness.

Cupronickel is a complex alloy that contains non-ferrous metal:

• copper,
• manganese,
• iron,
• nickel.

Looks like silver. It is characterized by high hardness and strength. Requires constant care as it gets dark quickly.

Pewter is a tin-based alloy. The soft and pliable material is easily coated with silver and gold.

Nickel silver, a three-component alloy, consists of: zinc, copper, nickel. It is resistant to moisture and has a beautiful yellowish tint.

Where is it used?

Bronze is in demand in industry for the manufacture of gaskets, fittings, and decorative door handles. Cups and dishes are cast from it, and elements for window grilles and railings are made. Some countries use coins made of bronze.

Gears, decorative elements for furniture facades, taps, and O-rings are made from brass. Jewelry: chains, rings, earrings, bracelets and other accessories.

Cutlery, dishes, jugs, and dishes are made from cupronickel. Jewelry is often made in silver.

Replicas of items made from precious metals and various costume jewelry coated with precious metals are made from pewter alloys.

Medals and other awards are stamped from nickel silver. Alloys are used for the manufacture of parts of medical equipment and precision instruments. Nickel silver is used to make jewelry, guitar frets, and tableware. Often confused with cupronickel.

Advantages and disadvantages

As a result of combining various materials, the jewelry alloy acquires the necessary qualities. The appearance of the products allows you to produce jewelry with an expensive look at a budget price. Alloys made of non-ferrous metals are in demand in industry.

The main disadvantage of products made from jewelry alloys is the fragility of the coating. You need to handle rings and chains with care and constantly look after them. When the thin film wears off, the material begins to oxidize and deteriorate.

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Is it possible to wear zinc jewelry? Jewelry alloy. What it is

Jewelry alloy is a macroscopically homogeneous metallic material consisting of a mixture of two or more chemical elements with a predominance of metallic components. As a rule, these are tin, nickel, brass, copper and other metals.

What alloys are jewelry made from?

The higher the quality of the alloy, the more expensive the product will be. Typically, alloys based on nickel, tin, brass and copper, zinc, and aluminum are used.

More expensive jewelry can be made of steel: surgical (medical), stainless and other types.

What kind of jewelry does not darken?

Any jewelry can darken, since jewelry alloys easily come into contact with

Reaction with oxygen and human sebum. Upon contact with the human body, the metal begins to change color and lose some properties. Exceptions may be alloys with a durable galvanic coating.

How to determine what jewelry is made of without chemical testing?

The matte, dull gray color of the product indicates the predominance of tin in the alloy. The decoration is light and brittle.

The aging effect (tarnished, reddish or bronze color) indicates the presence of copper in the alloy. In this case, the process of color change is inevitable, but practically unnoticeable, because the alloy already looks old and darkened in its original design.

If the jewelry is made “bronze” and has a yellow-green or yellow-gray tint, most likely the base of the alloy is brass .

Steel is widely used in the production of costume jewelry. Such jewelry has a gray color, metallic or chrome-plated surfaces “silver”. As a rule, such products last longer than their “golden” counterparts.

The dark, almost black color of the metal indicates a high nickel ; it is these alloys that often cause allergies.

Titanium alloys (mostly silver) are durable and hard materials that do not cause allergies. But their cost is much higher than that of ordinary jewelry.

What are the alloys coated with?

Alloys that require plating (gold or silver) can be thinly coated with gold or silver, or simply painted. Foil foiling is also often used. Expensive products have galvanic coating - this is a more complex process of applying one metal to another, the result is of high quality, the product is wear-resistant.

Also, jewelry coatings are rhodium, osmium, paladium - more expensive.

Less expensive ones are nickel, ruthenium, copper, bronze and brass.

What alloys can cause allergies?

In fact, allergies are quite an individual phenomenon, so it manifests itself in different people under different circumstances, but still, there is a lower chance of developing a rash if you do not wear jewelry with a high nickel . Give preference to steel, titanium alloys or jewelry with galvanic gold and silver plating.

How much does high-quality, allergy-free jewelry cost?

Probably the easiest way to distinguish “elite” alloys from widely used materials is to look at their price.

Thus, jewelry made from medical alloys, steel, and jewelry with galvanic coatings of gold, silver, and rhodium cost tens of times more than regular jewelry. For example, a pendant made of jewelry alloy on aluminum or brass costs on average $4 - $5. While its steel counterpart will cost about $20-30.

How to preserve the original appearance of jewelry longer?

If we are talking about inexpensive jewelry from Chinese and Korean manufacturers, then it is better not to wet it with water, keep the jewelry separately from each other, or better yet, each in a separate bag/package to prevent air from entering as much as possible. Before putting on the jewelry, do not apply perfume and hand/body cream. Never spray cosmetics on your jewelry.

We wish you happy shopping!

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Description of material

Jewelry alloy is a special composition for making a variety of costume jewelry. It may include copper, zinc, aluminum, brass, tin, steel, nickel and other hypoallergenic metals.

of jewelry and accessories are made from jewelry alloy . It does not darken or oxidize over time. From us you can purchase inexpensive earrings, rings, pendants and pendants for every taste.

The jewelry alloy can be coated on top with a thin layer of silver or gold leaf. Bronze, brass, copper, rhodium or palladium plating is also found. This allows you to create real works of art at affordable prices .

Caring for jewelry

To keep your favorite jewelry beautiful and neat, you need to immediately understand the intricacies of caring for jewelry. The nuances depend on the type of product, materials, decorative elements and other individual details.

The first and most important question that interests lovers of accessories is how to clean jewelry from darkening . Here the methods completely depend on the composition of the alloy used. Often you can choose professional products with which you definitely don’t have to worry. It is not worth cleaning such jewelry using traditional methods, because what works with silver or gold can completely ruin the delicate alloy.

to store all jewelry separately , using individual bags or cases. This way they won’t scratch each other, and the metals probably won’t react.

It is better to avoid contact with water, high temperatures, humidity, and sunlight. Costume jewelry is put on last so that it also does not come into contact with aggressive agents: creams, deodorants, detergents, perfumes, lotions.

Having figured out in a timely manner how to clean jewelry at home, you can competently and carefully take care of the safety of the trinkets dear to your heart.

Source: http://grandstock.ru/bizhuternij-splav.html

What stones are used in jewelry?

Have you ever wondered what you wear? We are talking about jewelry, about your favorite jewelry, which you change from day to day, periodically updating your wardrobe.

When choosing brand new earrings, we involuntarily come across a list of some questions, such as: “What are they made of?”, “Why are these ones more expensive than those?” Question after question, thought after thought, and now your gaze is already thoughtfully staring into the distance and the palaces of the mind are thinking about great things: “What is costume jewelry?”, “How is it done?”, “What stones are used in jewelry?” This is probably worth stopping at.

1. Swarovski stones;
2. Cubic zirconia (cubic zirconia);
3. Pearls;
4. Mother of pearl;
5. Natural stone

After reading this article, when buying new jewelry, you will be able to immediately understand what you need, find out what stones are used in jewelry, their definition, differences and features. Go.

Swarovski stones

Swarovski stone is a synthetic stone, that is, an artificially grown crystal. Stones, rhinestones, Swarovski crystals are nothing more and nothing less than processed high-quality crystal using a special technology, SWAROVSKI technology. Crystal itself is not precious, but the way it is processed makes it an expensive stone.

The well-known company Swarovski AG has been producing such crystals for over a hundred years.

They are the ones who create incredibly pure, perfect Swarovski crystals, and it is this company that creates rhinestones and stones using a special “secret technology” covered with dark matter.

Why in the paws? Because it’s clear that the technology is already known, although not to its full extent, because the company does not stand still. From year to year, specialists update, improve and modernize this production method. In general, a complete upgrade.

The jewelry crystal inserts that we see in our everyday life are also Swarovski, the only difference is in the processing method. The crystals are made using the same SWAROVSKI technology, just copies are produced on cheaper equipment, but if you don’t look closely, it will be quite difficult to distinguish them from the genuine original.

Features of Swarovski stones

It is distinguished by its low cost and crazy variety of all types, subtypes and subtypes of costume jewelry. With the help of such an insert as Swarovski, the most rich and contrasting ranges of shades and incredible forms of compositions are created.

Only from such stones are all kinds of jewelry created, from everyday and office jewelry, to vintage and Art Nouveau jewelry. With the help of Swarovski stones, the world has opened up the possibility of an incredible combination of the extravagant style of madmen, perpendicular to the mediocre politics of conservatives.

Cubic Zirconia (Cubic Zirconia)

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic stone, a cubic crystal of zirconium dioxide; common in jewelry as a good imitation of precious stones.

It was synthesized in the 60s by Soviet scientists, and it does not matter that they initially developed materials for making a laser.

Cubic zirconia, cubic zirconia, zircon, zirconium?

Cubic zirconium, cubic zirconia, whatever you want to call it, is the same stone that is used both in the jewelry industry and in costume jewelry.

Zircon is a gemstone, Sapphire level. Zirconium is an element of the D.I. system. Mindeleeva.

In almost all cases, jewelry with cubic zirconia is found in the category of luxury jewelry in combination with a jewelry alloy of metals. Jewelry of this type always looks luxurious, elegant, brilliant.

Features of cubic zirconia stone

Jewelry with cubic zirconia has a huge advantage, because jewelry of this kind is a very high-quality product. You can not be afraid of the negative impact of the environment, because they do not cause allergic reactions and are not subject to any manifestations of corrosion. This means that in such jewelry you can safely fly like a bomb into the pool, cook dinner for your lover, dance as if no one is watching, or all of this together and at once - nothing will happen with the jewelry.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that zircon has a whole list of “plantings”, which significantly increases the lifespan of the jewelry. Here are the main types of settings for such a stone:

- prong setting (claws, hooks); - channel; - pave setting (pavement); - rim; - pin;

- deaf, etc.

Pearl

Pearls are classified as stones due to the content of the mineral araganite. Widely used in jewelry production, as well as in costume jewelry.

There are three types of pearls:

1. Natural pearls.
In short, natural pearls are saltwater pearls deposited on a spherical surface by a mollusk. It is considered the most real thing, is mined very hard and has an appropriate price.

2. Cultured pearls are a cheap analogue of natural pearls.

3. Artificial pearls are a complete imitation of pearls, made by human hands. More than 100 years ago, they came up with a method for artificially growing pearls and to this day they are widely used in the jewelry industry.

Features of pearls

Pearl jewelry is a classic. Pearls are always considered a beautiful element for any accessory. Since the time of this marvelous discovery, it has been considered a luxurious addition to any decoration, and to date no one has changed their opinion.

Nacre

Mother-of-pearl (German: Perlmutter “Mother of Pearls”) is a mineral-organic material that is the inner layer of the pearl oyster mollusk.

Mother-of-pearl is not so common in jewelry, but with its help, truly sophisticated and delicate jewelry is obtained. It is usually used as an insert; rarely in jewelry can you find the base of a piece of jewelry made from this material. But as soon as this stone is put into use, amazing earrings, pendants, excellent bracelets and unusual brooches will certainly come out.

Features of mother of pearl

The peculiarity of mother-of-pearl lies in the color of the substance: this gift of nature has a color that shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow.

Natural stones

Natural stones are natural stones. There is an incredible number of types, names, features. Classified into three types:

- precious; - semi-precious;

- ornamental.

Ornamental stones are often used in costume jewelry, since their cost is much lower, in contrast to semi-precious stones, which are rarely used; I no longer touch upon the topic of precious stones at all.

Types of natural stones in jewelry
Let's consider the most used:

1. Agate is a natural stone that is a translucent aggregate of chalcedony;
has a layer structure and color in the form of stripes. But some types of stone may not have pronounced layering (star agate, moss agate). The color scheme varies in shades of black, white, grey, blue, yellow and red.

2. Shungite (“Slate stone”) is a rock formed in the Precambrian period. Shungite is hard coal, so most often you can find a pronounced coal-black color of the rock (also gray, dark brown).

3. Turquoise is a mineral formed from hydrous phosphate and copper with aluminum. It has been known since ancient times and even now remains among the top ornamental stones. Turquoise is a very beautiful stone that is often used in jewelry (and not only) jewelry compositions. Also, the stone is very easy to process and even takes a mirror polish.

Main colors of the stone: white, blue, blue-green, green.

4. Lava (“Child of the Earth”, “Basalt”) is a unique stone that contains a number of microorganisms that help maintain the life of living organisms. It interacts well with other materials. Lava is used to create not only jewelry for the human body, but also a large number of different decor in the form of sculptures, mosaics, and tiles.

Color: black, rarely brown.

5. Malachite is a mineral formed from copper carbonate with hydroxyl.
Widely used in jewelry making. It has a rich color of bright green, emerald, turquoise.

6. Hematite stone (“Iron Kidney”, “Blood Stone”) is an iron mineral, which is characterized by opacity, metallic luster, and high density.
A common stone used in making inexpensive jewelry and tempera painting. The color of the stone varies from red-brown to iron-black.

Features of natural stones:

Jewelry made from natural stones is distinguished by the fact that it is always relevant. Throughout the existence of mankind, jewelry made from natural stones has been a cult. Surprising but true. Natural stones are beautiful, but there are also thousands of legends about the mysterious and even magical properties of these stones. Perhaps that is why people will never cool down their ardor in search of new and acquisition of long-known old gifts of nature.

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Source: https://diademagrand.com.ua/blog/kakiye-kamni-ispolzuyut-v-bizhuterii

Does zinc alloy darken or not?

Jewelry alloy is a macroscopically homogeneous metallic material consisting of a mixture of two or more chemical elements with a predominance of metallic components. As a rule, these are tin, nickel, brass, copper and other metals.

What kind of jewelry does not darken?

Any jewelry can darken, since jewelry alloys easily come into contact with

reaction with oxygen and human sebum. Upon contact with the human body, the metal begins to change color and lose some properties. Exceptions may be alloys with a durable galvanic coating.

lyusya

Achievement received 12/12/2018

Similar:

For example, I'm itching from zinc. Although now all modern jewelry is based on an alloy of zinc and copper. And the manufacturers guarantee that it is safe. And if there is no nickel or lead in it, then everything is fine. Since this metal is similar to silver, it is often passed off as silver. It is used to make beautiful jewelry.

But again, it still gets dark. Although the manufacturer says no. And it shouts at all corners that it does not rust. And try to find fault. It doesn't rust after all. It oxidizes from skin and sweat just catastrophically quickly. And this results in a reaction on the skin that is not at all positive. Leaving behind the dirty green color of oxidized metal.

Moreover, on Aliexpress they began to stamp silver on zinc products and pass it off as real. I foolishly started buying it in huge quantities. I thought I had found a gold mine. Cheap and so much. All my jewelry quickly darkened. And now I have a terrible allergy on my neck from the so-called “not harmful”. Verdict.

It's harmful, don't buy it!

Source: https://ostwest.su/instrumenty/cinkovyj-splav-temneet-ili-net.php/

Jewelry alloy. What it is

Jewelry alloy is a macroscopically homogeneous metallic material consisting of a mixture of two or more chemical elements with a predominance of metallic components. As a rule, these are tin, nickel, brass, copper and other metals.

Wood's alloy

This low-melting alloy of heavy metals owes its appearance and name to the American dentist Barnabas Wood, who discovered its composition in 1860. It should be noted that the very fact of obtaining a low-melting alloy was not something unique, since back in 1701 Newton obtained a similar alloy, but without the use of cadmium. Thus, Newton's alloy consisted of 50% bismuth (Bi), 31.2% lead (Pb) and 18.8% tin (Sn).

In Wood, we have about 50% Bi, about 25% Pb, and 12.5% ​​Sn and, attention, cadmium (Cd). True, Newton's alloy has a melting point of 97 degrees Celsius, and Wood's alloy - about 67. Wood had problems with lead and tin, but apparently for some reason there were no problems with cadmium, so he replaced lead with the latter and tin. And so an alloy was obtained, which at normal temperature is in a crystalline state, but already becomes liquid in hot water

(see video).

Apparently, it was the relatively low melting point that made this alloy and its inventor so famous. After all, before this, the well-known low-melting alloys Rose (1772) and D'Arcet (1775) had a melting point of 95 degrees Celsius. A reduction in the melting point by 26% undoubtedly provided the opportunity for very significant energy savings, with all that entails, especially taking into account the areas of application of Wood's alloy.

Soldering and tinning - “wood alloy”

Among radio amateurs and electronics engineers, Voodoo alloy has found application for soldering and tinning, and here's why. Tinning, as we know, involves applying a thin layer of tin to another metal, thereby protecting the metal from oxidation and corrosion. And as we learned above, Wood's alloy is an alloy containing tin.

In addition to its fusibility, Wood's alloy has good fluidity, which allows it to spread evenly over the surface and fill the slightest cracks. In order to tinning tracks on a printed circuit board, you need: water, grains or rods of the alloy itself, citric (or soldering) acid. Tinning with Wood's alloy occurs as follows (see.

video, although it talks about the Rose alloy, but for the Wood alloy it is also suitable with a little clarification):

1. Pour water (or glycerin) into a container, heat it, measuring the temperature, bring it to the melting point temperature, i.e. about 68.5 degrees Celsius.

2. Add a little citric acid to hot (very hot, but not necessarily boiling) water.

3. Then a pre-cleaned board is placed in a container, which needs to be tinned, and several pieces of Wood’s alloy are laid out on the copper tracks of the board. The water is heated, the alloy heats up and turns into a liquid state.

4. Using a tampon, or better yet, a wooden or plastic spatula, tinning the tracks is done by rubbing drops of liquid alloy along the tracks of the board.

5. After tinning, cover the board with rosin (flux) and wash it.

The described tinning method is hot, with coating applied by rubbing. Another hot application method is immersion. But in this case, of course, an alloy bath is used, for which the required amount of raw materials is much greater than for the grinding method.

When soldering, or rather desoldering elements from boards - processors and microcircuits, connectors and other parts - Wood's alloy is good because its melting point is much lower than the melting temperature of the plastic parts' housings.

Therefore, there is no need to fear that the plastic case will be damaged during desoldering (or soldering). Of course, all soldering operations in any case must be done as carefully and carefully as possible.

This alloy can be used to solder various metals and alloys (copper, nickel, aluminum, bronze and brass), as well as products made of precious metals.

In general, Wood's alloy greatly facilitates the tinning process, which is very important for beginners in this business.

Brief characteristics of the alloy

 Wood's alloy is produced in the form of silver-white round rods or droplet granules. Tensile strength is about 45 MPa, elongation 7%, Brinell hardness 10.5 units, density 9720 kg/m3. The shelf life of alloy ingots is 3 years.

Metallographic studies of the alloy show that the components of which it consists do not dissolve in each other and do not form chemical compounds. The structure of the alloy is eutectic, including light dendrites of the solid solution containing bismuth, and dark complex eutectic (containing all four components).

Where else is Wood's alloy used?

There is a wide range of applications for material with the properties of Wood's alloy. This is primarily its technological properties, which include the ability to remove the alloy with hot water. For example, an application is the method of bending pipes with thin walls, which, when bent without special means, will be deformed, i.e.

will wrinkle into at least an uneven corrugation. To prevent such deformation, the pipes inside are filled with an alloy that inhibits corrugation. Then, after bending the pipe, the alloy is easily removed, flowing out when heated.

For the same reason, the alloy is also used in electroplating, where it fills cavities in metal products.

Another technological purpose of the alloy is precision casting, i.e. such casting in which the resulting dimensions must be observed very accurately, even taking into account the heat shrinkage of the casting alloy. Wood's alloy has very low shrinkage.

The alloy is also used for scientific purposes. It is used to obtain metallographic samples when the sample itself is very small and inconvenient for grinding and polishing. Then it is filled with Wood's alloy to a size that allows processing of microsections. In addition, the alloy is known to be used in chemical laboratories to create a low-temperature heating bath.

It is known that parts made from Wood's alloy can also be found in sensors that respond to temperature, as a rule, these are fire alarm sensors.

It is known that Wood’s alloy also traveled to space in 1976 at the Salyut-5 orbital station, where, as part of a technological experiment codenamed “Sphere,” cosmonauts B. Volynov and V. Zholobov acted as metallurgists, studying the solidification process liquid metal under zero gravity conditions.

Where can I buy wood alloy?

The fame of Wood's alloy can be assessed by where and how it can be purchased for your purposes. The alloy is so in demand that nowadays it is even sold via the Internet. It can be found on all popular e-commerce platforms - eBay, Vse Instruments.ru, Aliexpress, Alibaba. It is produced mainly by chemical factories (for example, the Ural Chemical Reagents Plant).

Application features and differences from analogues

As already noted, Wood's alloy is not the first and not the only similar alloy with a similar composition. The most famous analogue is the Rose alloy. However, the Rose alloy has a higher melting point, which is generally not critical for modern soldering technology, but requires the use of glycerin for heating. Glycerin, when heated at high temperatures, evaporates intensely and smokes.

The only significant advantage of Rose's alloy is that it is non-toxic, since it does not contain the carcinogenic toxin cadmium.

The toxicity of Wood's alloy is its main drawback, which determines the need for special safety measures, consisting of monitoring maximum permissible concentrations and organizing ventilation during operation.

Source: http://popayaem.ru/splav-vuda.html

Gold, silver, jewelry alloys - what is appropriate after 50?

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Reading time: 5 min.

The desire to look dignified and elegant is inherent in every woman, no matter how old she is. However, age dictates its restrictions on outfits and accessories, and the older the lady, the more stringent they become. Having crossed the fifty-year mark, many women are forced to give up their usual jewelry and items made of precious metals, believing that they are no longer suitable for their age. You will find out from the article whether it is worth doing this.

Jewelry – to wear or not to wear for women over 50

Properly selected jewelry can add completeness to the look and balance out the rest of the details of the outfit. In addition, some models, due to their successful design, can visually rejuvenate a lady and also make her more feminine. However, poor selection of accessories can lead to the opposite effect.

What jewelry should you give up once and for all upon reaching the age of fifty?

1. First of all, you need to eliminate plastic Chinese consumer goods from your wardrobe. It is also a mistake to think that bright youthful products in acidic colors will make you look younger. On the contrary, such “trinkets” create the image of a grandmother who has “played at being a girl.”

   Such a person looks quite ridiculous.

2. It is not advisable to wear metal jewelry that openly imitates jewelry.
3. Be very careful with jewelry with rhinestones or gems, they do not always look good on older people.

What can a fifty-year-old lady afford?

Get a basic set of different but interchangeable jewelry, suitable “for both the feast and the world”:

• pearl stud earrings made of both precious metals and jewelry alloys;
• small rings made of precious metals;
• earrings with precious stones and semi-precious stones;
• discreet diamond jewelry.

If your soul asks for bright accents, you should pay attention to products made of colored ceramics or identical materials. However, we should not forget that this kind of accent should be alone in the image: under no circumstances use sets of such jewelry.

Let's take a closer look

Fearing once again becoming an object of criticism, most women aged 50+ prefer to opt for classic gold or silver jewelry, in rare cases “indulging” in jewelry alloys.

This kind of preference justifies itself: it is from such jewelry that the very basic set that we talked about above is made up, however, costume jewelry also has its own charm.

Gold

Gold is a precious metal, and jewelry made from it is called jewelry. This kind of product has always been an indicator of elegance. Due to the plasticity of gold, it can be used to make jewelry of various shapes and sizes. However, this metal is not used in its pure form for jewelry; in this case, alloys of gold are made with other elements, depending on which the gold acquires a conventional color:

• yellow;
• white;
• pink;
• red;
• red.

The percentage of gold present in the alloy is called fineness. The highest standard for jewelry is 750, the most common is 585.

Despite the fact that gold jewelry is quite universal, there are a number of rules for how and where it should be worn.

For an office style, the appearance of the products should be discreet. In this case, the following would look good:

• small earrings - studs;
• discreet pendant on a thin chain;
• narrow bracelet;
• jewelry watch.

But a large number of gold items at the same time is a sign of bad taste not only at work, but in moments of leisure.

For evening events, combine gold jewelry with clothes that do not have bright decorations. Rhinestones, sequins, pearls are a reason to abandon pendants or chains, as well as massive gold items.

Gold jewelry will look inappropriate in a hospital, outdoors or in a swimming pool. Only wedding rings are allowed in such places.

Silver

Silver also belongs to the noble (precious) metals, and products made from it are considered jewelry. The undeniable attractiveness of silver products lies in their lower price compared to gold.

Silver in its pure form is also not used for making jewelry, but its fineness in high-quality expensive products is much higher - 925. Products made from such an alloy are distinguished by their strength and durability of external qualities (they do not darken and retain their natural shine for a long time).

There are a large number of fake silver jewelry, so it is best to buy them in special jewelry stores.

This metal is appropriate for any situation. The requirements for silver accessories for ladies over fifty are not as strict as for gold items, but, nevertheless, they exist.

Firstly, just as in the case of gold, you need to have a sense of proportion in the amount of jewelry. Do not do it:

• put on many rings at once;
• combine earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets in one look;
• combine silver and gold items, as well as silver and jewelry.

Secondly, the rule of “small decorations” also applies here; the following are welcome:

• studs or small earrings with precious stones;
• thin, small rings;
• light bracelets;
• use one, maximum two decorations.

Silver, like gold, can be worn both to work and to special occasions. This is a matter of taste and personal preference.

Jewelry alloys

A wary attitude towards jewelry alloys is dictated by the erroneous opinion that they are not suitable for respectable women. However, high-quality products made from this kind of materials can compete well with jewelry, captivating with their attractive appearance, variety and affordability.

As a rule, tin is taken as the basis for such an alloy. Being a refractory and brittle metal in the absence of impurities, with the addition of other metals it becomes plastic and suitable for the manufacture of various kinds of things, including jewelry.

However, in addition to tin, there are a number of metals used for jewelry alloys:

• copper gives the products a noble bronze color with a reddish “antique” tint;
• brass - yellow-green or yellow-gray shade;
• steel – gray metallic or imitation silver;
• titanium alloys are silver in color, they are hypoallergenic and have a higher price compared to regular jewelry.

It is prohibited to add lead to jewelry alloy, as the latter negatively affects human health. The same ban is imposed on nickel due to its high allergenicity.

The main disadvantage of this kind of alloy is its reaction to the environment (oxygen, contact with the human body, detergents, cosmetics)

In this case, the product may lose its presentation: it will darken or peel off. However, alloys with durable galvanic coating are free from this “side effect”.

Coverage can be expensive:

• gold;
• silver;
• rhodium;
• osmium;
• palladium

Cheaper:

• nickel;
• copper;
• brass, etc.

Not only earrings and rings are welcome as jewelry made from this type of material, but also:

• brooches - choose them not only to match your outfit, but try to harmonize your entire look, taking into account eye color and skin tone;
• decorative pins are an indispensable assistant when you need to adapt an outfit at your discretion: they will hold the fabric in the desired area, allowing you to drape problem areas, while also serving as a decorative element.

Jewelry allows you to frequently change your look, be noticeable and bright, each time adding a new twist to your wardrobe.

Jewelry for women over 50 - how to choose and wear

In an effort to make the image perfect, the main thing is not to overdo it . Therefore, every lady of elegant age must objectively determine the permissible maximum of jewelry that she can afford. For some, a small ring and earrings will be enough, while others will limit themselves to a pendant or bracelet. In any case, it should be either jewelry or high quality costume jewelry.

• when choosing earrings, in addition to studs, pay attention to hoop earrings or earrings without pendants, with a decorative element located immediately under the earlobe;
• brooches can be used not only to decorate clothes, but also hats; they are also a good idea to fasten the open collar of a blouse, hiding age-related changes in the neck;
• hands often show age, so you should think carefully about whether to draw unnecessary attention to them by wearing bracelets; however, if such a decision is made, limit yourself to a bracelet made of wood, stone, metal or even ceramics, but without bright decorative elements;
• rings, if you have small hands, should be worn small: massive jewelry is suitable for large hands;
• beads made of pearls or their imitation are always a win-win option for ladies 50+; they can be worn at any length, wearing one or several threads, but do not forget: the larger the beads, the shorter the beads should be.

Divide all decorations into formal and everyday ones. Wear them accordingly: the first with evening dresses, the second every day.

As you can see, the choice of jewelry for ladies who have crossed the fifty-year age mark is quite diverse. As in the case of choosing a wardrobe, the main condition for an ideal image is a sense of proportion, integrity and taking into account the individual characteristics of appearance. By playing with jewelry using various little tricks given above, you can achieve originality and uniqueness of your style.

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Source: https://tkaner.com/aksessuary/zoloto-serebro-bizhuternye-splavy-chto-umestno-posle-50/

Steel is the new gold: which jewelry to choose

Steel is a strong rival to silver, white gold and platinum when it comes to the look of a cool and elegant shiny metal. What do you need to know about steel jewelry and how to care for it?

High-quality stainless steel 316L (code 03Х17Н14М3 according to GOST) - it is also surgical, it is also jewelry.

Simply put, jewelers use the same alloy that goes into scalpels, implants and parts of medical equipment, housewares and cutlery. It is durable, very resistant to corrosion and damage, and hypoallergenic.

It is no coincidence that piercings - jewelry that must literally be worn on the body - are made of 316L steel (but! for primary piercings, until the puncture has healed, it is recommended to wear a titanium product).

On a note! Stainless steel was invented in 1913 by British metallurgist and scientist Harry Brearley while working on alloys for gun barrels.

What are the advantages of steel over other materials?

Steel jewelry SL: (prices via links)

Steel does not lose its “new” appearance for a very long time. At the same time, it is much more durable than precious metals, does not oxidize and does not darken over time, and is not afraid of the effects of salt (sea) water, ultraviolet radiation, various acids - the same as orange juice accidentally spilled on a hand with a bracelet or ring.

Let us repeat, steel does not cause allergies (strictly speaking, an allergy to gold and silver is our body’s “rejection” of contact with base metals included in jewelry alloys of gold and silver of various grades). It is very difficult to damage steel jewelry - scratch it, get a dent.

Finally, the advantage is the price, and also the fact that, despite their low cost, steel products look very, very decent.

On a note! 316L stainless steel, unlike some jewelry alloys, does not contain lead - a metal dangerous to our body

Is steel fashionable?

Indeed, both in the Old and New Worlds they willingly buy it under the motto “Steel is the new gold!” Buyers like this material for its more than affordable price, health safety, noble appearance and variety of product designs.

Steel jewelry can be made in any style: from classic and ethnic to avant-garde and brutal rock. Not only the inherent mirror shine of steel is relevant. Modern technologies make it possible to give “strong-willed” material a spectacular matte appearance.

This makes the finished jewelry even more expensive in the eyes of everyone who sees it on you.

Steel jewelry SL: SL (price on the link)

How to choose steel jewelry?

A high-quality accessory cannot cost less than 150 rubles if we are talking, for example, about a ring of a simple design. A temptingly low price tag is inherent in non-factory jewelry from China, Korea and other Asian countries, made from steel with unsatisfactory characteristics. Such a product can rust, darken, and break.

Steel jewelry is a product subject to certification. The seller must have a certificate that says “Piercing Jewelry” in black and white (this is true even if you are buying costume jewelry).

On a note! A steel ring, unlike a silver or gold one, cannot be enlarged (stretched) or reduced (compressed). Steel is too strong a material, so when buying jewelry it is better not to make mistakes with the size

Why are some steel jewelry colored?

Source: https://sunmag.me/tsennosti/10-09-2015-stal-novoe-zoloto-kakie-ukrasheniya-vybrat.html

Jewelry alloy or what our jewelry is made of. Everything you need to know about jewelry alloy

If you cannot afford to purchase pure silver or gold, then high-quality jewelry will be an excellent alternative. However, not in all cases such products are beneficial to human health.

Many women keep rings, earrings and chains in their jewelry boxes that they will never be able to wear again, since jewelry causes skin irritation and discomfort.

If necklaces, chains and earrings are of poor quality, it means that they contain harmful substances, and if the product is constantly in contact with the human body, they will enter directly into the body. Many unscrupulous manufacturers use inexpensive but harmful alloys from:

• cobalt,
• nickel,
• copper,
• gland,
• lead
• or chrome.

If your skin is overly sensitive or you are prone to allergies, then be sure to ask for a passport for quality jewelry. If the jewelry contains alloys of cobalt, nickel, copper, iron, chromium or lead, then it is better to refuse the purchase.

Often small moving parts of products are soldered using lead mixed with tin. The latter metal is highly toxic and has a negative effect on the human body. It is advisable to choose earrings with a conventional fastening that do not contain small parts.

Don't forget that jewelry is often soldered using lead, a dangerous alloy.

What alloys are used to make jewelry and costume jewelry?

As a rule, manufacturers indicate “ zinc alloy in costume jewelry ” in the jewelry passport. The most common material of this kind is brass. It combines copper, zinc, as well as other metals and components. In some cases, a brass variety such as tombac is used as a separate jewelry alloy - a plastic alloy that is not subject to corrosion, due to which it is often used for the manufacture of high-quality jewelry.

In addition, the definition of “zinc alloy” refers to a combination of aluminum, copper and zinc. Often, this material is similar in appearance to silver, and therefore it is widely used in the manufacture of costume jewelry and jewelry. As a result, they combine excellent design and a very affordable price. Such products include rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.

What properties does the metal alloy used in jewelry have?

I would like to immediately note that zinc alloy in jewelry darkens . This metal oxidizes as a result of interaction with water or air, since they contain oxygen. And everyone knows that it is he who oxidizes all kinds of metals.

To prevent jewelry items from oxidizing, they are often coated with certain galvanic coatings on top. They do not oxidize, which allows the jewelry to remain beautiful and shiny for a certain time.

This includes silvering and gilding, and in this case a minimal amount of silver and gold is consumed, but it is sufficient to prevent darkening and oxidation of the products.

Any inexpensive jewelry necessarily contains some metal alloys, which have different effects on human health. However, it was possible to refute the assumption that zinc alloy in jewelry is harmful. It contains 10 percent zinc and 90 percent copper, so it does not contain nickel, which is dangerous to humans. If the product data sheet indicates “medical gold,” it means that it contains hypoallergenic copper, which is not at all harmful to health.

Today, manufacturers offer buyers with a limited budget a variety of jewelry made from analog materials. It can be tin, aluminum, nickel and even copper. But the most popular jewelry is made from medical alloy, which has a lot of useful properties.

It does not irritate the skin, does not cause allergies and also retains its rich color and shine for a long time. However, one should not think that jewelry made from medical steel is a full-fledged analogue of elite jewelry made from precious metals.

Sooner or later, jewelry begins to fade and lose its presentation, so over time they will need to be replaced or come to terms with their shortcomings.

Made from medical steel, it is resistant to acids and aggressive alkalis, is not scratched and does not accumulate dirt, which becomes a suitable environment for the proliferation of microbes.

Alloy classification

“Medical jewelry” is a cliche that is used to lure customers. In reality, manufacturers use the following alloys for jewelry:

1. Zinc alloy in jewelry. Often used by craftsmen from Czech companies. The alloy contains 10% zinc and 90% copper. This material does not contain harmful nickel, which is dangerous to the body.
2. Medical gold in jewelry. In fact, the concept of “medical gold” was invented by dodgy sellers who rely on the naivety and ignorance of the buyer. The role of gold in such products is played by hypoallergenic copper.
3. Gold plated jewelry. Such products are much closer to jewelry than to costume jewelry, since they have gold inclusions, even the most minimal ones. Please note that even gold plating will fade over time.

If you decide to purchase jewelry with imitation gold, then be prepared for the fact that they will have to be replaced over time. To extend their service life, store products in dry places and avoid direct contact with water.

The most common material used in costume jewelry is electroplated jewelry alloy. In fact, most of our beads, rings, toggles, earrings, and so on are made from it.

This is a tin-based jewelry alloy. Tin in its pure form is unsuitable for the manufacture of forged metal products. It is refractory and too brittle for casting. Therefore, alloys have long been made from tin by adding other metals to it.

The composition may include copper, aluminum, antimony or any other hypoallergenic metal that does not oxidize upon prolonged contact with human skin. The addition of copper adds ductility to the alloy. The addition of antimony provides brightness, thanks to which the alloy does not fade over time.

Traditionally, lead was added to tin alloys until the end of the 19th century. Nowadays, there is no such practice, since it can transfer to human skin. The absence of lead in jewelry alloys is regulated by law. Another metal that is never present in high-quality alloys is nickel.

This is primarily due to the fact that it often causes allergies on sensitive skin. The components vary depending on the manufacturer, but any additive adds its own characteristics to the alloy, which is reflected in the use of the final product.

Sometimes manufacturers use zinc as the base alloy, which reduces the cost of the product. Such products differ from pewter ones, since the alloy itself is harder and duller.

Jewelry alloy is very plastic and, as a result, is optimal for creating a variety of shapes and designs. Today it is used not only to create jewelry. A similar alloy can be found in the production of exquisite tableware and winners' cups. For example, the famous Oscar figurine is made of just such an alloy with gold plating.

To give a variety of shades, galvanic coatings are used: silver plating, gilding, copper, bronze, brass, chrome, etc. Sometimes products are coated with a thin layer of gold or silver leaf.

But jewelry alloy also has negative sides. First of all, it is quite fragile and cannot withstand repeated bending. Secondly, any, even the most durable coating is subject to wear and does not withstand aggressive environments such as sea water, acid, alcoholic drinks, etc.

Source: https://islady.ru/bizhuternyi-splav-ili-iz-chego-sdelany-nashi-ukrasheniya-vse-chto-tebe.html